AFL media personality and former Port Adelaide player Kane Cornes chose money over cash when he opted to remain in his role with betting company Sportsbet, ultimately giving up his positions as an All-Australian selector and Rising Star judge.
In the wake of Nick Foot being dismissed by the bookmaker due to the conflict of interest, Sportsbet said: "We've decided to no longer feature any serving sports administrators or officials in our programming, to ensure clear separation from their official roles."
Cornes was offered the same options, but decided to continue with Sportsbet.
"I've got an existing contract with Sportsbet that I want to honour … I could've walked away from it, no doubt, but I would've been breaking a contract that I've got that's in place," Cornes said on Agenda Setters.
"I really enjoy the work at Sportsbet.
"Sportsbet are a major partner of everything I do.
"I really enjoy the work at Sportsbet. I love the show that we're on with Kate McCarthy, Josh Jenkins and Jase Richardson."
"I've spoken to the AFL, they were incredibly supportive and I just thanked them for the opportunity. It was brilliant."
Kane Cornes on stepping down as… https://t.co/uAalvUvOYr pic.twitter.com/OP6dWwZb42
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 5, 2026
"I completely understand (their decision). I do (think there was a conflict) … there was no other option but to take the action that they did."
Interestingly, Hawthorn premiership captain Luke Hodge, who has roles with TAB, hasn't been met with the same ultimatum as those who are employed by Sportsbet, yet.
“I found out about Kane prior to getting here, but I haven't had any notice of that from TAB or any of their employees with any official role,” he said on Agenda Setters.
“I haven't really had time to think about it. It's a hypothetical that hasn't been put towards me, so if that comes the case, I'll have a think and give an answer then, but I only just heard that Kane had to stand down.”
